Mercruiser Alignment

[brodie123]

Hi All;

I rebuilt my Mercruiser inline 6 last season and re-isntalled the engine. Took her for a cruise - ran 100% but if the outdrive is too high on the trim, the engine "grabs" and the steering pulls to port. I immediatletley think engine alignment - have not run the boat since.

I've read the good notes here on how to align - ensure washers in correct position - how to course/fine adjust - and will order in the alignment tool.

Question: Does this make sense as a diagnosis?

Any advice is always welcome.

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Mercruiser Alignment

How high is "too high?" You're not supposed to run with the drive raised high; the steering will pull. More importantly, you're putting pressure on the universal. Sooner or later, it's bound to snap. Keep the drive down where it belongs and you should be fine. Hy

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Mercruiser Alignment

Measure the distance between the pins that hold the trim rams on. Raise the drive until that distance gets to 18 1/2 inches. That is the full up trim position. That is where your trim limit switch (if equipped) should be set. Everything above that is trailering.
When you go up more than that you lose the latteral support for the outdrive.
The torque of the prop tries to twist the drive right off the boat. It damages the piviot pins, gimble ring, the bell housing and stresses the crap out of the steering. Even at idle speeds it's hard on the transom assy.